High-dose biotin supplement can interfere with common laboratory tests

[Nelson Vergel]

This case illustrates serious interference with some thyroid immunoassay tests by high-dose biotin ingestion resulting in the false diagnosis of severe thyrotoxicosis. Excess biotin can cause misleading test results — low creatine phosphokinase in acute coronary syndrome, negative human chorionic gonadotropin in ectopic pregnancy, low adrenocorticotropic hormone and high cortisol in Addison’s crisis, low TSH and high free thyroxine in myxedema coma — profoundly affecting medical decision making. In this case, incongruity of normal total T4 with elevated free T4 and free triiodothyronine suggested a laboratory artifact sparing further consumption of health care resources.

http://www.healio.com/endocrinology..._medium=email&utm_campaign=endocrinology news

 

[FrankUnderwood]

i currently supplement with 10,000 mcg of biotin daily (single capsule).

should i cease this supplementation?

This case illustrates serious interference with some thyroid immunoassay tests by high-dose biotin ingestion resulting in the false diagnosis of severe thyrotoxicosis. Excess biotin can cause misleading test results — low creatine phosphokinase in acute coronary syndrome, negative human chorionic gonadotropin in ectopic pregnancy, low adrenocorticotropic hormone and high cortisol in Addison's crisis, low TSH and high free thyroxine in myxedema coma — profoundly affecting medical decision making. In this case, incongruity of normal total T4 with elevated free T4 and free triiodothyronine suggested a laboratory artifact sparing further consumption of health care resources.

http://www.healio.com/endocrinology..._medium=email&utm_campaign=endocrinology news

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Frank

I would not. This article reports that TSH not done by liquid chromatography may have an interference. We really don't know what happens to testosterone. Have you seen a change in your numbers since you started biotin?

 

[FrankUnderwood]

not really, but ill know shortly. actually had a blood draw today for test/e2 and all thyroid tests. struggling with losing weight even when in a caloric deficit, hoping its not a thyroid issue.

Frank

I would not. This article reports that TSH not done by liquid chromatography may have an interference. We really don't know what happens to testosterone. Have you seen a change in your numbers since you started biotin?